New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.71

v2.c24.s2.71

4. The death of Shahu.—The death of Shahu is thus recorded in the Chitnis and other bakhars. "Shahu expired at his palace of Rangamahal at Shahunagar on 15th December 1749.”¹³, when all were very sad. He was a father and protector to young and old, to man and woman, to officers and servants, great and small. Such a king never lived. Under his government even criminals were not harshly treated. He had no enemy. Unprecedented lamentations were heard. Shahu’s aunt Tarabai came down from the fort to have a last look at him. Govindrao Chitnis went and conversed with her. She advised Govindrao “to arrange that Sakwarbai should become Sati. If she lives, she will create trouble for the raj. Nor should Sambhaji be asked to come from Kolhapur. I have a young grand-son brought up at Pangaon. He should be fetched and placed on the throne.”